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BEATRICE EDEN 



Beatrice Eden 

(^ Tlay In Three ^cts) 



By 

PAUL MAYO 




THE STRATFORD COMPANY 

T'ub/ishers 
Boston, Massachusetts 



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Copyright, 1921 

The STRATFORD CO., Publishers 

Boston, Mass. 



OCT 28 1921 



The Alpine Press, Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 



g)G!.A630039 



Dedication 

This bit of thwarted life I give to you, 

My love, 

FulfiUer of all longed-for beauties. 

Through the mute syllables and silent moments 

Pour the passions of my voice. 

Beloved, know that only you 

Have given power to culminate 

Tragedy in love triumphant. 



THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY 



John Eden 

Julia, his wife 

Beatrice Eden, their daughter 

Eric Borden, a neighbor 

Rosa, his wife 

Watson, a care-taker 

Amy, his wife 
The Time — Our own. In late autumn. 
The Place — In the high mountains of the Rockies, 



ACT I 

Before a mountain cabin with a background of 
hills and rich autumn colors. It is late afternoon 
and the night chill is descending as the sun goes down. 
A woman in a reclining chair is before the door of 
the cabin; it is Julia Eden. She has been waiting 
a long time. She stirs and draws the cover closer. 

Julia 

The air grows chill — day dies so quickly 
Here we are so much alone, 
Even the sun is tired in seeking us. 
But where is Beatrice — she was here. 
Night begins to creep like a robber 
Up the valley. Where is she? 
Beatrice ! Beatrice ! 

She peers through the gathering gloom. 
Beatrice ! Come ! Come ! 

A girl of eighteen, possibly nineteen, enters from 
the slope below and runs gaily toivard her mother. 

Beatrice 
You called me. 

Julia 

I am afraid; the night is coming. 
See, the asj^ens now are almost hidden. 
It is cold; cold. 



2 BEATRICE EDEN 

Beatrice 

Mother, why are you afraid ? 
Let me put this robe around you; 
Let me help you — I'm sorry 
That I left you. 

Julia 

Oh, how good to have you near, 
My dearest one, my only one. 

Beatrice 

When the world is all so beautiful 

Why do you fear? 

Just now a quail was calling- by the spring. 

His plaintive voice seemed calling me. 

I went so near him, creeping through the trees 

I could almost see him. 

Then I heard you — What is it, mother? 

Julia 

Your father is not here, 

I have not seen him since this morning. 

This awful night, 

Why does it rush upon us like a beast. 

Beatrice 

You are not yourself tonight. 

Listening. 
Listen, do you hear the quail again? 

She runs aside. 
Still by the spring he calls 
If I could only cheer you, poor lonely thing. 
Why is everyone so sad tonight; 



BEATRICE EDEN 3 

You, mother, and the quail. 

He is calling, calling, for his mate; 

But you have me — father too will come. 

She returns to Julia. 
You used to weave such stories 
Fairy land seemed close, 
And every dancing shadow was a goblin. 
Let us talk. 

Julia 

I cannot re-create those fancies. 

Ugly, leering thoughts are with me now. 

Do you remember 

Why we came to live here in these mountains ? 

It was not so long ago, 

— Perhaps you did not understand. 

Beatrice 

I remember when we came 

But why, I hardly know. 

Sometimes I thought I did. 

But then again it seemed not true — 

He is so strange — 

Julia regards Beatrice steadily a moment, and then 
begins in a low level voice. 

Julia 

The city was a gad-fly to him. 

He could not rest. 

Like a wild horse driven by hot-breathed furies. 

Frantic, seeking rest, but still pursued 

He tore and rent his soul. 

She has the radiance of one who understands pro- 
foundly. 



4 BEATRICE EDEN 

The crowding, whirling world of sense 

And passions wild as dervishes 

Engulfed him in a whirlpool. 

Oh for peace 

For respite from a thousand tortures ! 

One last hope remained — exile! 

A refuge from too poignant life. 

Very simply. 
We chose this spot, one far removed 
And silent as a far-off ocean island: 
Here there was space, and life-giving nature; 
Primal forests reached their arms to Heaven 
And I too became a suppliant, 
Imploring aid for him, my first love. 
He found some periodic respite, 
Moments when the bright original lustre of his soul 
Cast off the horrid body grown around it. 
But the occasional happiness became more rare — 
I have fears — 
One great fear overwhelms me — 

Beatrice 

Mother, don't, don't! 

This is not my father ! 

Yesterda}^, no longer ago, he Avas so gay, 

We walked far into the forest 

Starting quail and grouse. 

He told me all the habits of the birds, 

And stopping on a vantage point, 

The sweep of valley down below. 

Our little house sunk in the trees. 

He gazed with longing eyes into the distance; 

For a moment silent, then he spoke ; 

"My girl, my dearest Beatrice, 



BEATRICE EDEN 

Man fell, the eternal curse upon him, 
For he worshipped self. 
Withdrawing from all Being 
Sucking to his own degraded pleasure 
All Life's holy glorious passions, 
For his will and love 
Became centripetal and not centrifugal 
As first created." 

Lightly. 
What huge words, 
I did not altogether comprehend 
But as I looked into his eyes 
I saw there battling exhaltation 
And a great despair. 
My father is so deep — so deep — 

Julia 

But there is one thing he does not know; 
Oh ! If only he could leave it alone — 
Horrible ! 

Beatrice 

Do not think of such things any more. 
When you are tired everything seems hopeless. 
See ! The golden pastel shades 
That fill the western sky; 
The afterglow of sunset. 
Don't you feel that some great genius 
With a master brush and boldest strokes 
Has painted it for us — 

She stands silhouetted against the sky. 

Julia 

Looking into the distance. 
Why does he stay away so long? 



BEATRICE EDEN 



Beatrice 



You are not listening to me; 

She returns to Julia, 
Shall I sing for you? 

Julia 

My poor, sweet girl. 

You are too innocent, your soul unspoiled, 

To know that just because the stars are lighting 

And the sky is filled with color 

All need not be well. 

Yes, sing for me the song I love. 

Beatrice 

Singing. 
Where mountain trails are steep. 
And age-old pines their mighty columns raise. 
Come go with me, away with sleep. 
Before the dawn sets all the world ablaze. 

Through ancient forest aisles. 
Oh love we wander re-born with the day. 
Just you and I; the dark sky smiles, 
As upward, ever upward leads our way. 

Your arms about me fold. 

When reached the windy summit bare of trees; 

The plain below is bathed in gold. 

Your love as glorious, me the prisoner frees. 

Beatrice 
Mother, you still love romance, — 



BEATRICE EDEN 1 

Julia 

I do love romance. 

All my days 

The flowerlike aspect of all I saw and felt 

Enthralled me; 

Sometimes how rudely were these visions shattered; 

Like the showering petals of a faded rose 

My treasures fall and die. 

Now they are gone 

Life seems as stark and bare 

As the deserted heart of a dead flower. 

Beatrice 

With an attempt at cheerfulness. 
You are beyond my power tonight, 
Wait till the morning comes 

Listening. 
I hear someone. 



Yes, it's John! 



Julia 



Beatrice 



No it is not he. 

She rises. 
Oh it's Eric! 

Eric enters. He is a fine looking young moun- 
taineer. There is a touch of failure — hardly per- 
ceptible — that dims his youth. 

Beatrice 

You are far from home. 



8 BEATRICE EDEN 

Eric 

You two are here alone? 

Beatrice 
Yes — why not? 

Eric 

I thought John Eden would be here. 
He left my house some time ago. 

Julia 
He was with you? 

Eric 
Not with me — at my house. 

Julia 

Oh! 

Eric 

He left an hour before I reached home; 
It is important that I see him — 
May I wait? 

Julia 

Please stay. 

It is good to have a man about 

^Yhen night comes I am lonesome. 



BEATRICE EDEN 



Beatrice 



I am not afraid to be alone. 
No one would do us harm. 
Why should we fear? 

Eric 

With some constraint. 
I pray that you are right. 

Julia 

She does not know enough to fear; 

We older ones have grown to be suspicious 

Of our very shadows; 

Why do we not always stay like children? 

Beatrice 

All is quiet now, 

The trees alone are murmuring — 

Slight pause. 
And Eric you are sitting there so still; 
You are not troubled? 



Eric 



No, there is no trouble 
I must see John Eden. 



Julia 
Could he be lost — the trail is easy. 

Eric 
He is not lost. 



10 BEATRICE EDEN 

Beatrice 

We are too solemn. 
^ This is not the way to greet a guest. 

Eric, you do not give us this pleasure often. 

Eric 
It is more my loss than yours. 

Beatrice 

The mountains are so gay in autumn ; 

I could run before the wind 

Scurrying down some peaceful valley 

In a cloud of flying leaves. 

To-day I made a heap of pine cones; 

They are such curious things, 

Their hearts wide open to all the world. 

Eric 
Your pine cones were an altar to what God? 

Beatrice 

Not an altar but the tomb of dead summer. 

Eric 
Did you weep sad tears over your lost friend? 

Beatrice 

No, a fool would weep. 

I know summer will be born again ; 

A friend immortal is not mourned. 



BEATRICE EDEN 11 

Julia 

Uneasily. 
Unless he soon returns, I will seek him; 
Can he be all right? 

Beatrice 
I know he is all right. 

JUMA 

I fear some awful thing has happened. 
Why did he go ! 

The glow has gone and the dark is upon them. As 
she speaks these last words John Eden enters, and 
stands watching her. He is a man of middle age, 
tall and with a look of finish and distinction which 
his mountain clothes do not obscure. 

John 

Because I chose to go. 

You seem to find some satisfaction 

In imagining calamity. 

Julia 
Oh ! John, you're back, thank God you're back. 



Coldly. 
Why all this hysteria? 



I was worried. 



John 



Julia 



12 BEATRICE EDEN 

John 

If it chance to suit me to wander late and far, 
If I am happiest in solitude ■ — 
Then I will wander in my own good company; 
In spite of all. 

Julia 

John, but after dark 
There are so many dangers 

For a man who tramps alone through mountain 
forests. 

John 

There are dangers, but not so insidious 
As those that lurk within this house. 



Here ! 



Julia 



John 



A little dangerously. 
You do not understand — you never do, 
In that, the snake has shown his fangs, 
The poisoner of life. 

Give me the lengthening shadow of the forest. 
Frowning cliffs and silver thread of water 
Waving in the depths of some black gorge — 
My mood one with these. 
God ! How murky is this night. 

Beatrice 
Father, here is Eric come to see you. 



BEATRICE EDEN 13 

John 

With great reserve. 
So it is, our friendly neighbour honors us. 

Eric 

Somewhat awkardly. 
When you find time there is a matter — 



John 



Very courteously. 
What is it? 



Beatrice 
We can go inside. 

Julia 

Yes. 

She rises 

Beatrice 
Come mother. Good-night, Eric. 

Julia 
John, good-night. 

Eric 

Good-night. 

They go out. John turns his back on them. A 
lamp is lighted in the cabin. A shaft of light falls 
across the stage. 



14 BEATRICE EDEN 



John 



A lovelj^ phase of family life to show j^ou Borden. 

Turning on Borden quickly. 
Why are you here ? 

Eric 

I chose to come. 

You were at my house this afternoon. 

John 
That wretched hole. 

Eric 
No matter, you were there. 

John 

Is this an inquisition, do you now come 
To question me like any common criminal? 
What do you want ? ' 

Eric 
There is no need to define. You yourself know. 

John 

With impatience. 
Oh! Don't bother me. 

A clodhopper husband jealous of his wife! 
Do you think I would soil my hands with her? 



BEATRICE EDEN 15 

Eric 

Do not evade, 

You have given to mj^ wife ■ — 

John 

Stop ! My daughter comes. 
Beatrice enters. 

Beatrice 
I am sorry to disturb you. 

John 

Tenderly. 
Come child, tell me of your day. 

Beatrice 

Without moving she seems to draw hack. 
You were so harsh with Mother. 

John 

Ah, you serious girl, what do you mean? 

Here is a guest, go fetch something good to drink — 

To the departing day and to my friend Borden — 

May he depart as soon and sink his soul 

In darkness as muddy as this night. 

Beatrice 

Oh Father, Stop! Stop I 



16 BEATRICE EDEN 

John 

Don't scream at me, Beatrice — 

He turns facing Eric. 
You, my friend, are black as night 
But in your shadow shines a light, a brilliant star — 
When I left she was as drunk 
And blear-eyed as a full moon. 

Eric 
Another word, sir, and you will pay. 

Beatrice 

Gently. 
Oh, Eric, please go. He is not himself, 
I beg you, leave us now. 
I cannot stand this longer. 

Eric 

With forced self-control. 
As you wish. 

I cannot bring him to account 
When you are here — Good-bye. 

John makes a courteous movement of farewell as 
Eric passes hiyn. Eric goes. 

Beatrice sits down, her head in her hands; John 
watches her a moment. 

John 

To himself. 
I am a beast a raving cowardly beast. 
But what can I do? 
These av/ful mountains like the weigrht 



BEATRICE EDEN 17 

Of ten thousand tombstones crush my chest. 

I cannot breathe, 

There is no way to throw them off. 

My God! Why was I born! 

Beatrice! Beatrice! 

If you, if you too accuse me in your heart 

There is no hope in earth or hell for me. 

Beatrice 

I do not accuse you, but I am somehow sad. 
What did you do to Eric? 

John 

Don't look at me, your eyes condemn me ; 
There is no pity in them. Have you then no pity? 
No ! I feel disgust, abhorrence even, in your eyes. . . 
Turn away, don't look at me. 
I love you Beatrice; 
You create fresh life 
In all the dead cells of my soul — 
If only you would help me! 
He reaches out Ms hand. 
Be gay once more, that's what I need. 
Fresh, rich-blooded life. 
Your mother coils and worms herself 
Into my brain. She draws the blood 
From my soul. She sucks my life — 

Beatrice 
How can I be gay 
When you speak thus of mother? 

John 

Oh! How long, how long before deliverance. 
This prison is too harsh, this world too strait, 



18 BEATRICE EDEN 

A place of gnat-like souls and petty worries. 

He grows wistful. 
Sometimes death comes to me, 
A lovely woman, 

Thinly veiled in alluring mystery; 
She comes so close I feel her breath; 
My eyes feast on her body 
Some day she will jdeld to my embrace 
Absorbing in herself 

The coarse unsolvent fibres of my being — 
Then deathless love within the arms of death! 

He moves towards her. She recoils. 

Beatrice 

I shudder when you speak so ! 
My flesh creeps at your touch — 
And you, my father. 

John 

You fear me, your father! 
When you say that — 
I could crush your soft neck — 
Throw your body to the beasts. 

Beatrice 
Ah! 

John 

Powers of Hell engulf me ! 

What have I said ! 

Don't shrink from me; don't torture me! 

You cannot knov/ what seething fires 



BEATRICE EDEN 19 

Your fear provokes in me. 
Wild stars are shooting" through my eyes 
The Heavens shatter; jag-ged fragments 
Pierce my brain — 

Peace! Peace! My God I pray to you. 
He flings Ms arms w/j in supplication. 

Beatrice 

Stop ! Unless you stop, 

My life shall be the pricje of your madness ! 

John 

Don't ! Don't ! My Darling, help me in. 

Oh Beatrice, touch me; 

Put your hands in mine and lead me where you will. 

She takes Mm hy the hands and leads Mm totvards 
the door. 
Oh, what peace! 

Beatrice 

Come, come. You are so tired. 

Here is the door, one step and j^ou are in. 

Come. 

As they go in Eric appears. He stands watching 
them. 

Eric 

The fiend is caged at last. 

What will he do some day. 

If there only were some saviour 

To expel the demons from ]iis soul. 

How can I judge him? 



20 BEATRICE EDEN 

There are some depths 
That only the angel of night can judge. 
Can Heaven itself save that child 
From knowledge of the evil possible in life? 
She does not know the shape or color 
Or the appearance of sin; 
Yet here before her constantly 
Is spread depravity. 
Within me is the will, 
Courageously, without pretence, I show it, 
To save her. 

Why do I slirink from duty plain as day? 
My wife is like a bird caught in the wind. 
She lies drunk, made so by this man. 
Oh, Beatrice! Why did you come too late for me? 
Beatrice comes slowly from the house. 

Eric 
You have left him? 

Beatrice 

Oh, — is it Eric? 
The world is beating in my ears. 
You have come, what can I say; — 
How awful when you went away. 

Eric 

I could not leave you here alone. 
Beatrice, I w^ant to help you. 

Beatrice 

What need is there; what can be done? 
My father is not well to-night — that's all. 



BEATRICE EDEN 21 



Eric 



You are burdened, speak to me, 

A great, dark load is on your heart. 

Beatrice, let me bear your sorrows. 

To-night your father and your mother 

Leaned too heavily on you : 

The one in sorrow begging comfort 

And the other in his madness 

Wrapping round you all the tentacles of sin, 

Sucking sweet fresh life from out your veins. 

It is too much ! 

Beatrice 

My life is theirs ! 

With sudden change. 
Why did you come to see my father ? 
He spoke of your wife. / 

Eric 
I cannot tell you all that story. 

Beatrice 
Please, that I may help you. 

Eric 

Tenderly. 
This excess of mercy is a fault in you. 
It is my place to help, not yours. 
All the years that I have lived, my dream 
Has been acquaintance with such a one as you. 
Beatrice, be my friend. 



22 BEATRICE EDEN 

Beatrice 

I am your friend. 
But you are married. 

Ekic 

Yes, in name — I must not speak of her. 
You do not mistake my motive — 
No, you are too good; 
Your words were not a question. 

Beatrice 

Then why did you take that woman 
Before the world your wife. 

Eric 

I do not complain, no word of censure 

Will I utter. On me is the blame. 

With nebulous maunderings 

Evil men attempt to pardon weakness, 

Claiming that to feel much. 

Sensitive, and driven by a great hunger 

Is excuse enough for sinning much. 

Judge me as you will, my own inner voice 

Is strident in self condemnations. 

My life itself is punishment enough. 

Through desperate loneliness, 

That quicksand in which men struggle 

Seeking some solid footing, 

I was lead to place my life on that 

Which first seemed to offer safety. 

We met, I felt a momentary security 

And sought to seal it with a vow — 

That's my story. 



BEATRICE EDEN 23 

She too protests an equal disillusionment. 

Neither one can shift the whole burden of the guilt. 

Beatrice 

The world to-night is a surrounding net. 
Every way I turn the same restraint. 
Where are the days with sunlight flooded, 
Broad roads leading to some land of dreams, 
The only task to choose the one desired. 

Eric 

For that reason grant me this one promise; 
If real danger comes — call me. 

Beatrice 
There is no reason for this promise. 

Eric 

God grant there may not be. 
But even so, give me your word. 

Beatrice 
I do. 

Eric 

That is enough — I am off ! 
Remember ! 
He goes. 

Beatrice 

Remember! 

Oh, what shadow of this night can I forget! 
With deep gashes cut in my memory. 
Will the pain ever go ? 



24 BEATRICE EDEN 

My memory is a miser eluteliing- fast 

To each tiny drop of imagined gold. 

Oh, dawning day, with hastening steps 

Dispel this nightmare, 

Through a distorted prism I see the world. 

Yesterday a hunter told me how a doe 

Had chanced to fall into a trap laid for a bear; 

Her tiny leg was crushed by its iron jaws. 

This innocent wild thing strained 

In helplessness to gain her freedom, 

With each plunge the teeth set deeper; 

In her eyes came terror, hopeless terror 

Of a wild free animal — trapped. 

She could not understand. 

The beauty of the day crashed round her — 

I feel relentless jaws tearing me! 

She goes off. 

The light in the house is extinguished. The stage 
is blotted out. The curtain goes down and after a 
moment rises slowly; the stage gradually relighted 
with the effect of the cold light of early dawn. 

Watsoyi enters from the house carrying a saddle 
and bridle. 

Watson 

Holy Heaven, winter is in the air. My ears will 
drop off. 

Why in common sense does the old man want his 
horse at this ungodly hour? Up early; to bed late; 
freeze in winter; broil in summer — Oh! What a 
life. If I ever get away from here — but what's the 
use — I won't. I heard him walking all night long; 
he ought to go to bed instead of riding. I smell a 
big snow gathering up there. Pity him if he doesn't 
get back before it rolls down. Oh well, no use to 
fuss. Damn this saddle. 

He goes out. John Eden enters from the house. 



BEATRICE EDEN 25 

John 

Dawn will soon appear; 

How long- a sleepless night ! 

I must get away from here ; 

To breathe, to seek a newer meaning in myself. 

My soul's waters are so muddied 

No light can penetrate its crawling depths; 

Faster withdraws the golden prize I seek to grasp; 

But there must be a lands end somewhere 

Beyond which even truth itself cannot retreat; 

Does the highway of my soul 

Lead to that crucial point, 

The junction of the unknown and the known? 

One last pilgrim's effort; 

If the rainbow's end deludes me 

Then there is a quick sure way; 

Go to knowledge if knowledge will not come to me; 

Once through that door there is no withdrawal ; 

Do I have the final courage? 

He lifts his arms to the light of the dawn. 

Oh my God do not evade me. 

I do not bring unsoiled hands 

But show me in what stream they may be cleansed. 

When I ride back to this house 

I shall be forever damned or saved! 

Watson ! Watson ! 

Hurry with that horse! 

Watson 

Off stage. 
Yes, He is almost saddled. 
John goes. 

CURTAIN 



ACT II 

Scene i 

The living room of the cabin; the walls are of log 
and at one end of the rather large room there is a 
big fireplace. Amy Watson enters carrying d basket 
of wood; she has fresh fallen snow on her clothes. 

Amy 

Singing. 
With icy wings the winter flies, 
Blow, winds, blow; 
On columbine and eidelweiss 
Is laid the drifting snow. 

Beneath the ground tired summer sleeps, 
'Til wakening spring returns; 
Into my heart the hoar frost creeps 
And love no longer burns. 

Oh, bitter days and frozen nights. 
Go, Winter, Go! 

With cold despair my spirit fights 
But Spring will come I know. 

She puts down her basket and works with the fire. 

Amy 

Months and months will pass, 
We will be here all alone; 
The rest of the world might die 



28 BEATRICE EDEN 

And we would never know : 

Snowed in like animals 

We must live through the winter. 

She sings over again the last verse, "Oh, hitter 
days'' etc. 

Watson enters. ^ 

Watson 

We have plenty of wood cut, thank the Lord. 
Br-r-r-r it is cold. 

How good that you made the fire. They will soon 
be up. 

Amy 

I hope Mrs. Eden is all right with this changing 
weather. 

Watson" 
Did you know that the old man has gone away? 

Amy 
Gone — Where? 

Watson 
On his horse; he left this morning; I don't where. 

Amy 
No, it isnt' possible. 

Watson 
Yes, I helped him start myself. He came to me 



BEATRICE EDEN 29 

early this morning and got me out. "Get my horse 
ready. Hurry!" He said. 

Amy 

When will he be back? 

Watson 

Unless he hurries — He won't come back. There is 
a blizzard coming; you can't see as far as the big 
pine. 

Amy 

What will they say? It will be hard to tell her. 
Why did you let him go? 

Watson 

You know what he's like. I'd sooner face a snow- 
slide than his tongue; what could I do? Besides he's 
not the only one to blame — she treats him like the 
devil ; and so does his daughter — a man has a right 
to his thirst. Why don't they let him alone — tor- 
ment a horse long enough and he becomes an outlaw. 
I know why he went. This damn snow's falling on 
us like chains locked for seven months. 

Amy 

I hope he is not caught out there. It is bad 
enough at home. (A pause) — There she burns. 
Don't let it go out. You might as well stay here 
until they come. I brought in plenty of wood; there 
it is in the basket. 



30 BEATRICE EDEN 

Watson 

I am sorry I forgot to do that. 

She goes out. Watson sits down by the fire and 
stirs it for a moment. Beatrice enters. 

Beatrice 

How good the fire feels. 
See the snow against the window 
Struggling to approach the warmth. 
Where is my father? 

Watson 

He is not here. 

Beatrice 

You mean that he has gone ? 

Watson 

Yes. 

Beatrice 

But in this storm he will be lost. 

Watson 
Yes — perhaps — but he is gone. 

Beatrice 
Something must be done. — Mother must not know. 

Watson 
How can she fail to know. He is not here, 



BEATRICE EDEN 31 

Beatrice 

No matter how, just keep it from her. 
How was he when he left; what did he say? 

Watson 

He seemed all right; it was this morning early that 
he called me, ordering his horse. 

Beatrice 

This is too awful; he has sought death. 
Some waj^s of life seal an unalterable doom. 
Oh, father — father — 
You stay here, I am going. 

He steps between her and the door. 

Watson 

No, not you too! 

Beatrice 

Just a little way; I must find help. 
It has been promised me. 

Earnestly. 
If ever you have been faithful to my family 
Do not betray me now ; 
Keep my mother 'til I return. 
There is one ready to face the storm 
In search of him. 
My coat, hurry ! There it is. 
It seems the heavens let loose their anger 
When we are least protected. 
There — remember what I said. 
She must not know ! 

She goes out. 



32 BEATRICE EDEN 

Watson 

What will happen now. 

Going to an inner door and calling. 
Amy ! Amy ! 

Within, ''Yes, Yes. I'm coming." 
Come quick ! 

Amy enters. He approaches her confidently. 

Watson 

Listen, Amy. The girl has gone, the Lord knows 
where; but she made me promise not to tell her 
mother anything. You must help me keep her in the 
dark. Not a word about him. — Wh}^ did I let her 
go? 

Amy 

Don't blame yourself. — I promise, but how can we 
do it? I can't lie to her. She will know in spite of 
us. 

Watson 

You'll find a way. Here she comes. 

Amy goes out. Julia enters. She does not seem 
well. 

Watson 

Here's a chair, Mrs. Eden. Sit by the fire; it is 
very cold this morning. 

Julia 
Thank you. 



BEATRICE EDEN 33 

Watson 

Amy is coming with your breakfast. There, move 
up closer. Our battle with the cold has begun. 

Julia 
Where are they? 

Watson 

I do not know, they will soon be here. 

Julia 
It never fails; when I do not feel well 
They leave me utterly alone — always alone — 
Yet Beatrice pretends to love me — 
He does not — in that at least he is frank — 
Scarcely a word has he spoken to me — 
Life has lost its flavor — 
What is there left for me ! 

Watson 

Miss Beatrice is doing her best for you. 

Looking out of the window. 
My! How the storm blows; 
God help those who are not safe at home. 
The trail will be impassable. 

Julia 

Throw some more wood on the fire! 
Do you want to freeze me, Watson ? 
Get me a blanket; my body feels like ice. 

Watson 

Yes, Mrs. Eden, I will get you one. 
It is growing worse. Hear that wind ! 



34 BEATRICE EDEN 



He goes to a cupboard for a blanket. Amy enters 
th a tray. 



Julia 

Put it there Am3^ No ! Not there ! 
Right here beside me. 

Amy places the tray on a small table beside her 
and stands near looking very much concerned. 

Julia 

How can I eat while you are standing there ; 

Not at all fretfully. 
What is wrong with everybody in this house. 

Watson 

Let me put this blanket round you. 

He wraps her in an additional blanket. While be- 
hind Julia's back he motions to Amy. She goes out 
very quietly. 

Julia 

Watching Amy. 
I have been troubled by a memory — 
Let me tell you. 

Watson, have you heard the tale 
About the old woman who lived 
Far back in these hills, 
Alone, save for her daughter? 
A strange girl, bred to the mountains — 
They seemed to speak to her, 
When wandering through aspen forests — 
There the aspen grew as large as any pine — 



BEATRICE EDEN 35 

She heard myriad voices, 

Sometimes in chorus, 

Sometimes singly, speaking low, 

A gentle murmuring; 

What they said none knew but herself. 

In all things else she seemed like any person. 

One year rich autumn spread 

Its transient glory over all the hills, 

Giving way too soon. 

Before the first early snow, 

Like this one raging now, 

Too violent, too stern a conqueror ; 

Unlike winter's usual slow advance, 

First the scouts and then the murderous vanguard. 

Within the cabin 

Like a caged bird she fretted. 

Powerless was her mother ; 

All day long she stood before the window 

Listening, watching; 

As the storm became more violent. 

No word would she give of explanation. 

Trying in vain to penetrate the snow. 

To see the mountains just across the valley. 

Some unknown thing. 

Precious to her was in danger there. 

Night suddenly overwhelmed the world. 

Descending, a dark rushing flood. 

She seemed resigned to her imprisonment 

And joined her mother at the evening meal. 

Put off her guard by this feigned submission 

The old woman left her alone, 

While busy with the evening tasks. 

No one knows what happened then. 

Returning to the room a moment later 

The door was found wide open^ 



36 BEATRICE EDEN 

The storm screamed in, 

Snow was piled about the floor; 

The girl was not there. 

Some footprints, fast filling, 

Lead into the night. 

The mother fought with the storm, 

Like the invisible hand of fate 

It would not let her go. 

The night passed somehow 

Late the next day the storm abated ; 

Wild with sorrow, lead only by her instinct, 

Deep within the forest 

In a bed of glistening white. 

Lay her daughter. 

Clasping in her lifeless arms — 

One broken golden aspen twig. 

The autumn glory dead 

Spread its ravaged beauty round her. 



Quickly, 
But she was crazy. 



Watson 



Julia 



Perhaps — I do not know — 
Why did I think of this? 

Watson 
You too have a daughter. 



Julia 



She is safe • — now. 

May Death's frozen hand 



BEATRICE EDEN 37 

Never close about her soul — 

Her body does not matter. 

Wrap this blanket closer around me. 

She coughs. 
There is a pain here. 

She places her hand on her chest. 

The door opens and Beatrice enters in a cloud of 
snow. 

Julia 

Who's there? 

Watson 
You're back. Thank God! 

Julia 
Beatrice ! 

Beatrice 
Yes, I'm back — unfortunately. 

Julia 

What ! Did you venture out into the storm ? 

Beatrice goes to Julia. 
Your face and hair are caked with snow. 

Beatrice 
I had to go. 

Julia 
Don't be so foolish. 



38 BEATRICE EDEN 

Beatrice 

Yes, I had to go. 

You must know the truth, there is no escape. 

Father has gone away. 

Julia 

Oh! — 

Beatrice 

This morning early, while we slept, 
He rode away — 
I tried to get help — 
Eric lives too far away. 

Julia 

Don't jest with me — 
Why did you let him go ! 
Why did you — 



Mother. 



Beatrice 



Julia 



Coughing. 
Oh, this pain. 
Why was I not told? 
You live to make my life a burden. 
Please go. 

Watson {to Beatrice) 

Don't let her words' wound you. 
She does not know what she's saying. 



BEATRICE EDEN 

Julia 
I am sorry, Beatrice, 
But this is more than I can bear. 
To find that you had left me here alone — 
And he is wandering in the snow ; 
Perhaps this very moment 
As the fire's warmth pervades me 
He is lying stiff and cold, 
Each snowflake marks him as a victim. 

Beatrice 

Don't give way to morbid dreams. 
He is strong and can fight his way. 

Julia 

Strength will not serve. 

All the world conspires to cause me sorrow. 

If I could only seek him — 

That death would be sweet. 

Beatrice 

You cannot go. Mother. 

I went scarce one hundred yards, 

Before the storm forced me back. 

Julia 
No, I cannot go. 
Please leave me now ■ — 

They cross the room behind her. 

Watson 
To Beatrice. 
We must watch her. 



40 BEATRICE EDEN 

Beatrice 

She said that death would be sweet. 
Do not leave her alone. 

Watson 

You can trust me. 

Beatrice goes out. Watson watches Julia for a 
moment. 

Julia 
Watson, are you there? 

Watson 
Yes. 

Julia 

Come here. 

She speaks to him in a low voice. 
Don't you think I could go ? 

To breathe fresh unwarmed air would help this pain, 
Would cleanse my breast. 

Watson 

Do not say such a thing. 

You could not reach the spring, 

See the snow about the window. 

Julia 

As you wish ; I shall sleep now — 
Will he ever come? 



BEATRICE EDEN 41 

Oh, my soul in sympathy is frozen. 

I am cruel, you and Beatrice are heartless, 

Resting safe at home while he is out there. 

Watson 

But we could not help him 
Even if we found him. 

Julia 
No, we could not help him. 
Go! Go! 

Watson pretends to go hut watches her through 
the door for a moment. She feigns sleep. He goes. 
Julia 

Before my eyes the snow is falling, 

Down, down, 

Like the never ceasing labor of a waterfall, 

Streaks of white, down, down, 

Trees are seen no more. 

Always falling, grim, relentless. 

Insidious as the slow deposits of sin. 

At last overwhelming all. 

Cruel white murderer. 

Before my ej^es always falling. 

Hastening to your work of death. 

Silent a moment. 
I see him struggling through the clinging drifts, 
Rolling helpless down the gullies, 
Now he is unable to rise, 
His horse abandoned long ago, 
Why did you go, why did you leave me. 
Flying away as if I were a dread disease? 
Do you remember now. 
While in the snow's embrace. 
When first you held me in your arms. 



42 BEATRICE EDEN 

Ob, horrid days that came between us 
Loosening that first fond caress. 
John ! John ! 
Let death rejoin our lives. 

She rises glancing around stealthily. 
They will not know until too late. 
There is no coat, what does it matter. 
This blanket will serve. 
May God guide me to you, 
Our last meeting. 

She goes out. 

CURTAIN — SCENE'S END. 



BEATRICE EDEN 43 

ACT II 

Scene ii 

A small sheltered spot among the snow laden ever- 
greens. Julia Ues huddled in her blanket on the 
snow. In the distance it is snowing hut her little 
nook is protected from all but the wind and drifting 
snow. Little light reaches her through the trees from 
the loivering gray sky. She lies motionless. From 
somewhere com-es a muffled chorus of voices, 

WoMEN^s Voices 

Through longs hours she wandered far 
A soul laid bare to Heaven's wrath, 
The cruel da}' gave not a star 
To mark her lonely path. 
Lower, feebler burned the flame 
That urged her on to him she sought. 
The woods re-echoed to his name. 
Her cry no answer brought. 

Men^s Voices 

From a raging hell within 
His tortured soul, he sought relief; 
Alone he bore the weight of sin. 
No one could share his grief. 
In open hand he took his soul 
And cast it as a dice is thrown. 
Along the Great Divide to roll 
To East, to We^t — unknown. 

WoMEN^s Voices 

The long forgotten days of love 

When through the world they went as one. 



44 BEATRICE EDEN 

Returned a haunting memory of 
A life whose joy is done. 
At last the flame has died away, 
With cold despair her heart is wrung; 
She kneels in loneliness to pray — 
By falling snow her dirge is sung. 

Men and Women 

Man can turn the powers of earth 

Obedient to his will; 

The mountain streams are made to serve, 

The forests fall before his might. 

But his own soul is free. 

Like heaping snow drifts strangely ruled 

By vagaries of the wind, 

In spite of will and mournful prayers 

By tiny flakes that blindly fall 

On hastening breezes come from God — 

His fate is sealed. 

John appears all snow covered, staggering from 
exhaustion. He sees the figure and rushes to her 
lifting her from the snow. He looks into her face 
and recognizes Julia. 

John 

Oh, my Julia, Julia, is it you; 

My Julia, — to find you here, 

Huddled in the snow. 

Speak to me, Julia, speak to me ! 

How stiff and cold — 

Oh, what has happened ! 

Eric comes tramping through the snow and watches 
John as he holds Jidia, trying to chafe her hands to 



BEATRICE EDEN 45 

brush the snotv from her face, to wrap her closer in 
the blanket. 

Eric 
John, I've been looking for you. 

John 
Borden ! 

Eric 
Yes, Eden, I tried to follow her. 



John 



What happened ! 

My God, why is she here ! 

Was it because of me? 



Perhaps. 

Repents this cruelty. 



Eric 



John 



Don't spare me. 

I left — desperate ■ — 

To seek a new guiding star, 

The heavens have been dark, no light 

Has shone to lead me from the forest. 

But God willed otherwise. 

My body was too weak to face the storm 

And now I am driven home 

A half frozen animal that drifts before the wind. 



46 BEATRICE EDEN 

Eric 

John, I did not mean to accuse; 

She was worried by your strange absence, 

Without warning, she left. 

Beatrice sent for me — 

That is all I know. 

John 
We must get her home before it is too late. 

Eric 
Come. 

John 

Which is the way? 

This blinding storm has bewildered me. 

Eric 
Follow my trail, let me carry her. 

John 

No! 

Eric 



But you are tired. 



John 



She is mine ; do not touch her. 



Eric 
Come, then. 



BEATRICE EDEN 47 

John 



Picking up Julia. 
How bitter is the memory 
Of a cruelty too well succeeded. 

They go out. 



CURTAIN — SCENE'S END. 



48 BEATRICE EDEN 

ACT II 

Scene hi 

Same as Scene /_, Act. II. Beatrice is beside the 
window trying to peer through the gathering dark- 
ness. Rosa Borden is there sitting with her head in 
her hands. She is nervously rocking. 

Rosa 

What was that? 

Beatrice 

Her voice is tired. 
Nothing, just some snow 
That fell from an overburdened tree. 

Rosa 
When will they come? 

Beatrice 

You have only one out there, 
I have two. 

There is a noise of tramping and Eric comes in fol- 
lowed by John who is still carrying Julia. 

Beatrice 

Rushing to them. 
Oh, Thank God! 
Both of you back. — My poor mother. 



BEATRICE EDEN 41 

Eric 
I came upon them just as lie had found her. 

John 
A chair ! 

Rosa 
Here by the fire. 

Beatrice 

Oh, my poor mother, Why did you go. 

Helping her father to rest Julia in a chair. Tak- 
ing her hands. 
Cold, ice cold, 
There seems to be no blood in your dear body. 

John 

She had lain long in the snow, 
Crumpled like a wounded bird. 

Beatrice 
Breathe, Breathe! 
God send breath ! 

John 

She seemed to breathe when first I found her. 
It was so far to come. 

Eric 

Rosa, help Beatrice take off her clothes. 
Chafe her hands. 



50 BEATRICE EDEN 

Rosa 



Let me help. 



Beatrice 



Can she be dead? — Mother! 
Mother open your eyes. 
I feel that she is dead. 
Her soul is calling mine. 



Some whiskey. 

Going to sideboard. 



Yes. 



Here's a glass. 
John pours. 



Going to Julia. 
Help me, Beatrice. 



John 



Eric 



Rosa 



John 



Eric 



Could one as frail as she live after such exposure? 
I felt the chill creeping into my heart. 

Beatrice 

Her teeth are set as one in death. 

Sinking on floor. 
Dead ! Dead ! Mother, My Mother ! 



BEATRICE EDEN 51 

John 
Beatrice! Don't! "While there is hope. 

Beatrice 
There is no hope. 

John 

Julia! Let me hold you once more. 

He places his arms around her. 
Come, my wife. 

He carries her into the bedroom, Beatrice follow- 
ing. 

Eric 

Evil is a many headed snake, 
The innocent its victims. 
If I had the power!. . . . 

Rosa 
Eric! What are you saying? 

Eric 
You stayed with her while I was away? 

Rosa 
Yes. 

Eric 
How did she seem? 



52 BEATRICE EDEN 

Rosa 

Self possessed but very sad. 

Eric 

Oh, pure white gentle heart, 

The muddy stream of life is jealous of your beauty. 

He is silent a moment. 
We must go. 

Rosa 

No, it is too cold, too far. 

Eric 

We must go ! 

At least there are some moments sacred. 

Going to door. 
Watson! Watson! Come here. 

He comes. 
There is a tragedy in this house. 
If I am needed let her know that you 
As messenger will bring me back. 

Watson 
I saw you three come in. How is she? 

Eric 

Her soul has found peace. 
Her body? — I do not know. 
That is all. 



BEATRICE EDEN 53 

Watson 



Yes sir. 
B.e goes. 

Rosa 
I cannot go back in this storm. 

Eric 

You must ! Do not fear. 
Death is not greedy ; 
He has taken his fill. 
He leads her unwillingly away. 

CURTAIN 



ACT III 

Same as Act II Scene III ; a month later. John is 
sitting beside the fire; Rosa is standing in the middle 
of the room watching him closely. 

Rosa 

Unless they return soon night will catch them. 

John 
Why do you worry, Rosa? 

Rosa 

I am not worried; I thought j^ou might be, 
She is not very wise. 

John 

Looking at her sharply. 
You do not trust your husband. 

Rosa 

No, not that — of course I do — 
A silly thing for me to say. 
But she is good to look upon. 
Since her mother's death 

The bud half-opened has come to full-flowering 
beauty. 



BEATRICE EDEN 55 

John 



To himself. 
And then the petals fall. 

Rosa 

I am talking idly as the winds of summer. 

Looking about. 
I want a drink. 

Where is your old-time hospitality? 
We used to be somewhat gay — 

John 

If you want a drink then get it for yourself. 

Can I not leave the dust unstirred 

In some dark corners long ago deserted! 

Rosa 
Not so long ago. 

John 
Just one short month — 

Rosa 

Yes, — but do not speak so loud; 

A ghost not yet settled may be wandering close. 

He does not speak hut covers his face with his 
hands. 



Rosa 



You may soon forget. 
Going to sideboard. 



56 BEATRICE EDEN 

There is not much here. 

Pours a drink. 
Have some John dear? — No? — That's strange. 
Here's to a failing memory 
Conquering enemy of all ghosts. 

Drinks. 
Don't mind, John, you will not always remember. 

John 
If you speak another word — I'll choke you. 

Rosa 

Your fingers have a fondness for a woman's throat; 
They have closed on mine before — 
But not in anger. 

John 

The night is creeping 'round us; 

You hurl its blackness deep into my soul. 

Rosa 

Don't be angry John, I'll say no more. 

Your whiskey is so good it greased my tongue. 

John 
You sicken me. 

Rosa 

Leads him to a chair. 
Come, please be quiet. 
Just forget what I have said. 



BEATRICE EDEN 57 

You know I did not mean it. 
Like a cat, I love to tease a crippled mouse. 
I know it's cruel, 

But then I too have known some cruelty ; 
I have sometimes been the mouse, you the cat. 
We were saying that the night is coming on ; 
Unless my husband comes it will be hard to find our 
house. 

John 
Yes, for you alone — he is all right. 

Rosa 

Suddenly serious. 
John, I do not trust my husband. 
Please do not let him come here anymore. 

John 
He may be- a fool. Beatrice is not. 

Rosa 
She does not know what is happening to him. 

John 
You need not fear. 

Rosa 

I ask just this of you; 

Do not let him see Beatrice. 



58 BEATRICE EDEN 

John 

That is impossible; 
I cannot lock her in. 

Rosa 
John, please ; 
I beg it in the name of old acquaintance. 

John 
Laughing. 
As you wish. To-night will be the last 
If I can make it so. 



Thank you. 



Rosa 



John 



Now are you satisfied? 
Then please excuse me, I am tired. 
When they come, call me. 
He goes out vjearily. 

Rosa 
I will wait here. 

She is quiet a moment, looks around, and then 
stealthily goes to the sideboard and drinks. She re- 
turns to her chair and gazes at the fire. A noise is 
heard outside. As Beatrice and Eric enter Rosa 
places herself in an alcove in the shadow. 

Erio 
How lovely here. 
Takes her coat. 



BEATRICE EDEN 59 



Come warm yourself, 

I did not know it was so cold. 

My mind was elsewhere. 

Beatrice 
Where have they gone? 

Eric 



What does that matter? 

Watching her. 
Why are you so quiet? 

Beatrice 

I do not know. 

In here a thousand thoughts come to me, 

Every chair, each table, 

This her place beside the fire, 

Remind me of a month ago — 

That awful night- — 

Out there where all is white 

And pines point to Heaven 

I forget. 

Her grave beneath the cliff is like a haven 

In the soft enfolding soul of God, 

The snow that glistens in the moonlight 

Is a symbol of her soul's purity; 

Here the air is heavy with earth and flesh 

And all that dies. 

Eric 

Beatrice ! Beatrice ! 

Let me touch one corner of your soul 



60 BEATRICE EDEN 

The hem of its flowing whiteness, 

And I will be free, I ask no more. 

An outcast gazing through the luminous windows 

Of your glorious self, those dark sad eyes ; 

I do not ask that you should take me in 

And clothe me with your radiance 

No, I do not ask so much ; 

Just let the light shine on me, 

Do not close cold hard shutters. 

Beatrice 

Erie, I am not harsh. 
If there is a way that I can help. 
Ask it of me ; there may be a time 
When I again shall call to you. 

Eric 
If 3^ou only would ! 

Beatrice 

You do not know how poor I am, 
A beggar even. 

Eric 
Then we are together 
■ In our fancied povertj^ 
I am grateful for that one bond. 
Someday we shall seal it! 

Beatrice 
That cannot be. 
Your sympathy, — how much it meant to-night — 



BEATRICE EDEN 61 

As you stood beside me in Death's presence, 

Has carried you beyond yourself. 

It is too much to ask always another's tears. 

Eric 

If I could always give them to you. 
But now once more I must leave you. 

He rises and goes to the window. 
A glorious sea of rolling white surrounds us. 

Rosa comes out of the alcove. Her hair is some- 
what rumpled. She is not quite herself. 

Rosa 

Confusedly. 
What does this mean? 

Beatrice 
You! 

Rosa 

Slowly. 
I heard you talking, yes, I heard you ; 
I went in there to rest, to sleep. 

Turning to Eric. 
You have no right to keep me waiting here forever. 
Just to sleep I went in there; 
And then I heard you talking. 

Eric 
Why, is that so strange? 



62 BEATRICE EDEN 

Rosa 

But you were saying something, about — about 
Bonds, sympathy, tears, all that rubbish. 
When a woman's husband 

Eric 
Enough! Where is Eden? 

Rosa 

Waving towards other room. 
There, he was tired too. 
John! Oh, John! 
He said to call him when you came. 
I'll tell him 'bout the tears. 

John enters. 
John ! Oh, he is here. John, they're back. 

John 
So I see. 
Beatrice, you were late. 

Beatrice 

I hate to leave her there alone 
When night is coming on. 
She seemed to float about me 
Through the blue haze of moonlit snow. 

John 

It is not good to go out there so often. 
A month has passed — one long bitter month 
A million years compressed in thirty days ; 
They pound my brain like thirty demons. 



BEATRICE EDEN 63 

Eric 
It was my fault we were so long. 

Rosa 
Just what I've been saying. 

Eric 
We must go. 

Rosa 

I don't want to, John; 
I don't want to go to bed 
Without a good-night drink — 
Let's have one John. 

John 

Don't go, there is plenty of room. 

It is good to have other voices in the house ; 

They drown recurring echoes. 

Eric 

The trail is clear, we cannot stay — 
Come! 

Rosa 

No ! No ! I don't want to go. 

John 

There is no need to tramp that weary way. 
I will tell Watson to prepare for you. 



64 BEATRICE EDEN 

Eric 

It would be a pleasure ; but — 

Looks at Beatrice who regards him steadily. 

Beatrice 
Stay. 

Eric 

We will. 

He watches Eosa. 
You need rest. Where may I take her? 

John 
This room is yours. 

Eric 

Thank you. 

He leads Rosa away very gently. She is getting 
sleepy. They go. 

John 

What a fool she is. 

Beatrice 
Yes? 

John 

She is — and so am I. 

She made me give a promise. 



BEATRICE EDEN 65 

Beatrice 

What? 

A simple question. 

John 
That Eric should not come here any more. 

Beatrice 
You gave your word to her? 

John 

She seemed worried about him. 

It was the easiest way, to humor her. 

Beatrice 

What nonsense is she thinking. 

Do you know that mother died one month ago to- 
night? 

John 

Can I forget. — 

Each day I feel more her murderer. 

Beatrice 

No! 

John 

I was the cause, my insane way of life, 

The way I spoke, that terrible mistaken journey; 



66 BEATRICE EDEN 

If I had stabbed her with a knife 
I should not be more the cause. 

Beatrice 

You often rode away in silence; 

You did not know the snow was coming. 

John 

Beatrice ! I know my crime 

But in the joy of hearing you defend me — 

I almost forget how I found her lying there. 

That sight engraved with bitter acid 

On my brain; jou alone dissolve it. 

Beatrice 
I? How do I do that? 

John 

You do, Beatrice, you do. 

Only say again that you are my own daughter. 

Once more you know me as your father. 

Placing in my hands a child's unreasoned love. 

If you only could forget the ways 

I spent that father's heritage. 

Beatrice 
If I but could. 

John 
You can. Say you can. 



BEATRICE EDEN 67 

Beatrice 
I can and will. 

John 

Thank God — at last! 

He attempts to take her in his arms. She shrinks 
a little against her will. 

John 

Close, close, my own dear child. 

He holds her face close to his, gazing into her eyes. 
Your eyes tell the same hopeless tale; 
You can't forget. 

He releases her. He looks around helplessly; sees 
the liquor. 

It has been long, my old time friend, 
Since we communed together. 
Just one brief call and then good-night. 

He drinks. 

Beatrice 
Again! 

John 

When all others go you still remain; 
Yes, again! 
He drinks. 

Beatrice 

Rising. 
Do you have more to say 1 



68 BEATRICE EDEN 

John 

Don't go, yet. 

There are so many things unsaid. 

My brain teems with thought; 

A stranded actor long off the boards 

Desires an audience, no matter who or how few. 

You are my audience. 

Beatrice 

Let me speak ! 

Watson told me of the tale 

My mother told him that fateful day; 

The girl who saw the early storm destroy her love. 

John 
I know the old-wives tale; what of it? 

Beatrice 

This — I have no loves left now 
But my own maiden's dreams. 
The night is as sharp and cold as steel, 
And merciless, I hear the avalanche, — 
It will engulf me, let me go ! 

She attempts to go hut he restrains her. 

John 

No! You shall not leave me. 
He clenches her arm too tight. 

Beatrice 
You hurt me. 



BEATRICE EDEN 

John 

Forgive — a thoughtless act. 
Sit down again. 

Beatrice 
To what end? 

John 

'Tis my command! 

I love to look at you, 

Your anger cuts me like a knife 

But still it fascinates. 

There are some who love self-torture — 

I am such a one. 

Glare, glare, hate, despise me! 

Beatrice 

Once more I beg you as your daughter, 
Let me go ! 

John 

No! 

Beatrice 

Then listen to my prayer. 

You ask again my child's love — 

How can I give it? 

John 
You must. If not that love, then any love. 



70 BEATRICE EDEN 

Don't ignore me as you would a worm. 
I will have your soul ! 

He starts toward her and grasps her shoulders. 



Beatrice 



John 



Do not touch me. 
Shrinks hack. 



Not that, not that ! 



Beatrice 

No! No! 

Voice from Outside 

"What's that" — 
Watson enters. 

Watson 
I heard a cry. 

Beatrice 
It was nothing, nothing. I was frightened. 

John 

She thought she saw a man's face at the window. 

Watson 
Did you? 



BEATRICE EDEN 71 

Beatrice 



I saw an awful face, a fiend. 
She goes. 

Watson 
Was there anyone? 

John- 
No, imagination ; she is nervous. 
All undone, thinking of her mother. 

Watson 

Too bad, a pity. 

Will you come in to supper? 

John 

Yes, I am hungry. 
A gnawing hunger, — 
Borden is here; call him. 
He goes. 

Watson 

Yes sir. 

Watson knocks on both doors and announces supper 
and then goes. Beatrice slowly enters. Before she 
has crossed the room Eric meets her. 

Eric 

You were good to ask us to stay. 

I hoped to hear the word you spoke. 

Just one small word from your lips, and I am happy. 



'^2 BEATRICE EDEN 

Beatrice 
I wanted you to be near. 
I feel this house will not be kind to me. 

Eric 
I heard you cry. 

It seemed more from sorrow than from fear — 
I thought you mourned. 

Beatrice 
I did cry for sorrow. 
Some are dead who have the appearance of life. 

Eric 
Tell me. 

Beatrice 
My real father died long ago ; 
This warped shell that assumes his person — 
Is not he. 
How can I give my love to an ugly shadow? 

Eric 
He threatened you? 

Beatrice 
The shadow seeks to penetrate my being. 

Eric 
The issue is clear ! 

At last the time has come for us to go; 
Abandon this dark place. 



BEATRICE EDEN 73 

Beatrice 
Where are the wings for such a flight? 

Eric 

Love lifts us up, love will float us 
Over all the mountain ranges. 
Beatrice, I love you, strong my love, 
It is so true that left unspoken 
Crushed and doubted, still it lives 
And leaps around you like a flame. 
Know my love, it seeks you constantly. 
With such power to bear us up. 
How can we fall ! 

Beatrice 

The world again has warmth, 

The ice is melted from my soul. 

Great earthly fire, your heat 

Streams through the channels of all Being. 

Eric, now at last the word is spoken, 

It shall make us free. 

Eric 

You receive my love? 

The gates of Heaven have opened. 

Beatrice 
I love you. 

Eric 

Beatrice. 

He takes her in his arms. 



74 BEATRICE EDEN 

Bleak winter vanishes 

And you, my pure white flower, 

Surround me with your living beauty. 

I love you. 

Now the world has lost its power. 

Beatrice 

The dark world, Eric, it is near. 
We forget, this blessed moment passes 
And once more its chains are forged, 
Link by link ; — they can't be broken. 

Eric 

Time is nothing now 
With knowledge of our final freedom. 
Just a little while, we must be patient. 
Then those chains will di'op forever. 

Beatrice 
Help me Eric. 

Sense of sin is creeping over me, 

Fire me with your faith in life's fulfillment. 

Eric 

There is no wrong where love is. 

This is no passing lustful fancy, 

Long have I known and tested it. 

Each trial, unhappy drab and ugly days, 

The final proof, have only served 

To make triumphant this one holy thing ; 

I love you, Beatrice. 

And now the lonely groping fingers 

Of my love have clasped your hand. 



BEATRICE EDEN 75 

Beatrice 

There is no wrong, but the uncertainty, 
If this door or that would open — 
Then our love would turn to sin — 
Or worse, to scandal. 

Eric 

I know our present weakness. 
But what are those straw barriers, 
When the time shall come, 
They will fall before us. 

Beatrice 
We must hasten, someone might come. 

Eric 

For our short remaining imprisonment 
My care must be to keep you safe. 
To-night I will not sleep, you need not fear, 
A call will bring me to you. 

Beatrice 

I do not fear, with your help the days will pass ; 
And then at last — our freedom. 

Eric 

Again takes her in his arms. 
My loved one. 

Beatrice 
Someone comes. 



76 BEATRICE EDEN 

Eric 
Remember, do not be afraid. 

Beatrice 
My father. 

Eric 
My love is always with you. 

Beatrice 
Good-bye, I love you, Eric. 

Eric 

My soul remains with you through all the night. 
Eric goes, and John enters. 

John 

Will you have your dinner now? 
Where is Borden? 

Beatrice 

He is with her. I am not hungry. 
All I want is to be alone. 

John 

With pleasure, my lady. 

Half mocking. 
I will send Watson to them. 

John goes out. 



BEATRICE EDEN 77 

As John leaves, Beatrice lingers by the window a 
moment, and then hearing him return goes to her 
room. 

John 

I feel frozen, Ah, this will warm me. 

Drinks. 
Alone, forever alone. 

Empty rooms and frozen hearts my sole companions. 
Oh, God, the world lies 'round me 
Barren as a winter moon — 
Have You too passed me by? 

He sits down and seems to sleep. The fire burns 
low until the room is almost dark, suggesting the 
passing of an hour or two. Finally he is heard to 
stir; getting up he throws some more wood on the 
fire. Moving aimlessly at first he then glances 
towards Beatrice's room, moves towards it quietly, 
opens the door and enters . . . Beatrice backs into 
the living room very, very slowly as if frozen with 
horror. Her eyes are on the open door through which 
she has just come. John api^ears in the frame of the 
doorway, — his face strange and tense. Beatrice 
stands perfectly still but not in fear — horror has 
overcome every thought of herself. Still under the 
spell, she cries in a whisper. Her cry releases John. 
He moves into the room and stands in the glow of the 
fire place. Eric enters with quiet rapidity. 

Beatrice 
Eric, Eric ! He is there. 

Eric 
Beatrice ! 

He and John look steadily at each other. Beatrice 
hides her face. 



78 BEATRICE EDEN 

John 

Recoils before Eric's glance. 
Why, this room is so dark. 
I cannot see — 

You scorn me — Speak for God's sake, speak ! 
This silence kills me! 

Eric 
You, you, why were you there? 

John 

I crept close to see her sleeping, 

The only time her face is not turned from me. . . . 

She knelt in prayer. 

When I came near she shrank from me. ... 

Am I a hateful thing. 

My eyes, do they reveal depra,vity, 

That she cannot look upon me. . . . 

Where is the light, 

Darkness swarms about me. 

Beatrice 
Take me from here. 

Eric 

Into this room. 

ne takes her into her room-. As they leave, John 
goes to the window. Outside the world is crystal 
white. 



BEATRICE EDEN 79 

John 

Radiant night, 

You show me to what depths I've sunk. 

No detail of the world 

Is seen from out this pit. 

Where are the pines, the mountains, hidden. 

My eyes grow dim blinded 

By the piercing glory of the snow; 

There flies a shadow tossed upon the wind. 

Some angry driven soul, no rest, no peace. 

There another shadow 

Lies along the whiteness. 

Crouched it seems, 

Like some lost animal that bows its head 

Receiving then the death stroke 

Julia, you, you, once more I find you. 

There, there. 

You sought me wandering, lost I am, 

Julia! You have come. 

Patiently you beat upon the frozen walls. 

And now I hear. 

He opens the door, speaks in a low voice. 
Life parted us, 
But death reknits our severed souls. 

He goes. Eric returns, looks for John hut not 
seeing him, he realizes that John has gone forever. 

He moves toward Beatrice's closed door — stops 
still. It is the renunciation. He goes then to Rosa's 
room. 

CURTAIN 



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